Deer Stalking and Management

Wide-ranging and written in a practical style, this guide encapsulates the often solitary experiences of the stalker who has only the wildlife for company and considers a world that many people do not know about, do not understand, and which many find alien. The author is deeply involved in deer management and stalking and is passionately concerned about the welfare of these beautiful animals. His objective is to both educate and inform. This guide first summarizes the natural history and characteristics of all the species of deer found in the U.K.; assesses the environmental impact of deer, describes the type of damage they do, and how it can be identified; and explains why deer management is essential, not just for commercial reasons, but also for the welfare of the animals themselves. Also discussed are the organizations associated with deer management and the associated training courses and qualifications that are available. The rifles and cartridges that can be used by the deer stalker are analyzed, as well as rifle maintenance, ballistics, sights, sound moderators, clothing, and ancillary equipment. The author also carefully examines all aspects of deer management, stalking methods, and taking and placing the shot correctly; explains how the carcass should be handled and describes gralloching, skinning, and jointing; considers deer diseases, injuries, and accidents caused by road traffic and wire fencing; and provides an overview of firearms law in England, Wales, and Scotland.